DAF will host T-7 Draft Environmental Impact Statement public hearings for Laughlin Published Nov. 16, 2023 47th Flying Training Wing Public Affairs LAUGHLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Texas -- Pursuant to the National Environmental Policy Act, the Department of the Air Force has prepared a Draft Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for public review that analyzes the potential environmental consequences associated with the proposal to recapitalize the T-38C Talon flight training program at Laughlin with T-7A Red Hawk aircraft. The Air Force requests comments from interested local, state, and federal agencies, federally recognized tribes, and interested members of the public during a virtual or in-person public hearing for the proposed T-7A recapitalization at Laughlin. Recapitalization would entail introduction of T-7A aircraft and flight operations at Laughlin and associated special use airspace to replace all T-38C aircraft assigned to the installation; changes to the number of personnel and dependents in the Laughlin region; and construction and upgrade of operations, support, and maintenance facilities. The Air Force is holding both virtual and in-person public hearings to provide the public with the opportunity to learn more about the proposal and provide input. The virtual public hearing will be held on Dec. 11, 2023, and will open at 5:15 p.m. to allow attendees time to register and be entered into the virtual meeting room. A link to the on-line virtual public hearing has been provided on the project website (https://laughlin.T-7ANEPADocuments.com) allowing interested parties to register to attend the virtual public hearing. Individuals without internet access may call (408) 418-9388 and use the passcode 2491 041 7105# to attend. The in-person public hearing will be held on Dec. 5, 2023, at the Ramada in Del Rio, Texas, and will open at 5:00 p.m. with an “open house” format to allow attendees to sign-in, view poster boards and get seated. The virtual and in-person public hearings will be called to order at 5:30 p.m. and begin with the Air Force giving a brief presentation about the proposal. Formal public testimony will begin at approximately 6:00 p.m. Both the virtual and in-person public hearings will close at 8:00 p.m. The hearings may adjourn before 8:00 p.m. upon or after verification that all participants who desire to speak have been heard and there are no more registered speakers. All members of the public are invited and encouraged to attend. Verbal comments will be accepted at both hearings, and written comments will also be accepted at the in-person hearing. Your input is valuable and assists the Air Force in making more informed decisions. The public hearing materials and information regarding the impact assessment are accessible via the project website. If you need to request accommodation to access the printed or audio portion of the presentation or need additional accommodation to make a telephone comment (per the Americans with Disabilities Act), please submit your request at the project website or call (210) 395-0979 no later than 1 week prior to the applicable hearing date. Comments on the Draft EIS can be submitted verbally at both public hearings. Written comments on the Draft EIS can be submitted at the in-person public hearing, electronically at https://laughlin.T-7ANEPADocuments.com, by email to chinling.chen@us.af.mil, or via postal mail at the address below. Ms. Chinling Chen, AFCEC/CZN Attn: Laughlin AFB T-7A Recapitalization EIS Headquarters Air Education and Training Command Public Affairs 100 H. East Street., Suite 4; Randolph AFB, TX 78150. We will accept comments at any time during the environmental process. Written and verbal comments will be given equal weight; however, to ensure the Air Force has sufficient time to consider public input in preparation of the Final EIS, please submit comments by January 8, 2024. For further information, please contact the 47th Flying Training Wing Public Affairs office at (830) 298-5262.